Tram Train services "could resume today" and more disruption on Northern Rail

TRAM Train services could resume later today (Tuesday) following problems with the fleet.

TRAM Train services could resume later today (Tuesday) following problems with the fleet.

The service, which links tram stops at Parkgate and Rotherham Central to Meadowhall and Sheffield city centre, was temporarily suspended on Friday when manufacturer Stadler advised that the entire fleet should be withdrawn.

Stadler said yesterday that four units were in good working order and it was continuing to check the other three.

Stagecoach Supertram said it hoped Tram Train services could resume later today (Tuesday).

Following advice from the manufacturer, Stadler, we are still unable to run any Tram-Train services. We hope to resume these services on later today and will provide further updates here when we have further information.

— Stagecoach Supertram (@SCSupertram) December 17, 2019

The cancellations contributed to a miserable Monday for commuters which saw disruptions on the trains as well.

Yesterday's 8.32am service from Sheffield to Rotherham was cancelled due to a broken-down train; the 5.46pm service from Rotherham to Sheffield was cancelled due to a train fault and the 6.18pm service was cancelled due to a lack of drivers.

Northern Rail told the Advertiser that it had more drivers than it had ever had, however, sickness, annual leave and a training programme had affected the number of available drivers yesterday.

Andy McDonald, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: “Once again Northern Rail has botched a timetable introduction causing chaos for passengers.

"Tory transport ministers have a responsibility to hold operator Arriva to the terms of its contract but have instead stood by for years as the company failed to recruit and retain enough staff and cut services.

“Only Labour’s plans for public ownership of rail will deliver the improved services and more affordable fares passengers deserve.”

 

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